Eastern Turkey, Georgia, & Armenia
- Trip code: 481X019
- Dauer: 20
- Stil: Classic
Take the road less travelled on this 20-day adventure through Turkey, Georgia, and Armenia — where ancient wonders, rich traditions, and breathtaking landscapes await. Uncover Turkey’s layered past at Karakus Tumulus, Gobekli Tepe, and the once-mighty city of Ani. Cross into Georgia, where the Nankali Fortress, Caravanserai, Gergeti Trinity Church, and Uplistsikhe — aptly named the Fortress of God—showcase the country’s deep history. Then, Armenia takes centre stage with the grand Republic Square, the sacred Khor Virap Monastery, and the stunning Tatev Monastery perched high above the Vorotan Gorge. Beyond the iconic sites, this journey is all about connection — sharing meals with locals, learning age-old culinary traditions, and soaking up the stories that bring these lands to life. By the time you leave, your heart (and belly) will be full, and your camera roll overflowing.
Übersicht
Accommodation
Hotels (19 nts)
Checklist
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)
Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
Group Size Notes
Max 16, avg 12
Highlights
Walk through history at the neolithic archaeological site of Gobekli Tepe, Wander the ancient streets of Mardin—a UNESCO-recognized open-air museum, Marvel at the towering rock walls and cascading waterfalls of Martvili Canyon, Learn the soulful art of playing the Duduk from a local musician
Introduction
Take the road less travelled on this 20-day adventure through Turkey, Georgia, and Armenia — where ancient wonders, rich traditions, and breathtaking landscapes await. Uncover Turkey’s layered past at Karakus Tumulus, Gobekli Tepe, and the once-mighty city of Ani. Cross into Georgia, where the Nankali Fortress, Caravanserai, Gergeti Trinity Church, and Uplistsikhe — aptly named the Fortress of God—showcase the country’s deep history. Then, Armenia takes centre stage with the grand Republic Square, the sacred Khor Virap Monastery, and the stunning Tatev Monastery perched high above the Vorotan Gorge. Beyond the iconic sites, this journey is all about connection — sharing meals with locals, learning age-old culinary traditions, and soaking up the stories that bring these lands to life. By the time you leave, your heart (and belly) will be full, and your camera roll overflowing
Meals Included
19 Frühstück, 5 Mittagessen, 1 Abendessen
Meal Budget
Plane USD615-800 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein
Optional Activities
Mardin
- Latifiye Mosque
- Tellallar Bazaar
Kars
- Kars Museum
Start / Finish
Istanbul nach Yerevan
Transport
Plane, Private vehicle, cable car, boat, walking
What's Included
Dein Welcome-Moment: Anreise und Begrüßungstreffen
Dein Local-Living-Moment: Lunch with a Local Family, Karahan
Dein Foodie-Moment: Khinkali Making Experience, Kazbegi
Dein Foodie-Moment: Terragarden Cooking Class, Mtskheta
Dein Foodie-Moment: Gata-Making Class, Dilijan. Istanbul orientation walk. Visit the Karakus Tumulous Monument. Sunset from the summit of Mt Nemrut. Gobekli Tepi archaeological site visit. Walking tour of Mardin. Boat ride on Lake Van. Walking exploration of Akdamar Island. Visit Van Castle. Ishak Pasha Palace Tour in Doğubeyazıt. Tour the Ari Complex. Tbilisi walking tour and Caravanserai Visit. Gergeti Trinity Church excursion. Friendship Monument visit. Gori Visit. Explore the ancient Uplistsikhe archaeological site. Kutaisi orientation walk. Martvili Canyon Boat Ride and Walking Trail. Visit Mtskheta and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Visit Yerevan's Republic Square. Megerian Carpet Museum Visit. Duduk musical demonstration. Walking Tour of Dilijan. Visit Khor Virap Monastery. Explore the Areni-1 Cave Complex. Orientation Walk in Goris. WINNET Goris Foundation Visit. Wings of Tatev Cable Car and Monastery Visit. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
Internationale Flüge
Check-in-Zeiten und Freigepäck/Einschränkungen können je nach Fluggesellschaft variieren und sich jederzeit ändern. Für die aktuellsten Informationen zu deinem Flug wende dich bitte an deine Fluggesellschaft. Wir empfehlen Online-Check-in, um mögliche Verzögerungen am Flughafen zu vermeiden
Minimum Age
Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre
Itinerary
Day 1 Istanbul
Arrive at any time, and meet your CEO and group in the evening at a welcome meeting. Afterwards, head out for a short orientation walk around the hotel area on the way to an optional group dinner
Day 2 Istanbul/Adıyaman
Transfer to the airport this morning for the flight from Istanbul to Adiyaman. Settle in for lunch by the lake of the Ataturk Dam before continuing on to the Mt. Nemrut area. Visit the funerary monument, Karakus, the Cendere bridge, then ascend to the summit of Mt. Nemrut for sunset. Continue on to Adiyaman where you can settle in for the night and enjoy dinner in the hotel
Day 3 Adıyaman/Sanliurfa
After an early breakfast, transfer to Ataturk Dam to enjoy the viewpoint, then continue to Karahantepe. You'll be welcomed into a local home for lunch before continuing on to the ancient and impressive archaeological site of Gobekli Tepe. Afterwards, transfer to the nearby town of Urfa for the night and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure
Day 4 Sanliurfa/Mardin
Travel to Mardin after breakfast this morning. Mardin's old town is protected by UNESCO and is considered to be an open-air museum. Explore the historic limestone architecture and learn about the interesting landmarks throughout. The rest of the day is free for individual exploration or time to relax before joining the CEO for an optional dinner in the evening
Day 5 Mardin/Van
Settle in for a drive to Lake Van, the largest lake in Turkey. Upon arrival to the lakeside town of Gevas, board a boat to Akdamar Island for a CEO-led walk, then head back to your hotel in Van. Enjoy a free evening to end the day
Day 6 Van/Kars
Visit the Van Citadel this morning, built by the ancient kingdom of Urartu. From there transfer to the previous capital of the Republic of Ararat, Dogubeyazit. Explore Ishak Pasha Palace then take in views of Mt. Ararat and across the mountains where the possible resting place of Noah's Ark is said to be located. Continue on to Kars for a brief orientation walk, then settle in for the evening with free time
Day 7 Kars
Drive to Ani this morning, known as the city of 1001 churches,. Explore the Ani complex with your CEO, seeing the many religious buildings, palaces and forts before heading back to Kars for a free evening and optional final dinner out with the group
Day 8 Kars/Tbilisi
Wave goodbye to Turkey this morning on a drive to the Oncul Çıldır Aktaş Border Gate for the crossing into Georgia. Enjoy the picturesque scenery en route to Tbilisi, with a stop in the small town of Poka for a visit and some time for lunch. In the evening, take a short orientation walk with your CEO on the way to an optional dinner
Day 9 Tbilisi
Set off to explore Tbilisi this morning on a walking tour through various districts and past some of the iconic landmarks of the city. Enjoy views from the Narikala Fortress before descending into the Caravanserai, a place where travellers and trade caravans used to stop and spend the night in years past. Enjoy the remainder of the day and evening at leisure to continue exploring or to relax
Day 10 Tbilisi/Gudauri
Travel this morning from Tbilisi to the village of Stepantsminda, where you'll switch to 4WD Jeeps for the drive to the spectacular Gergeti Trinity Church. Visit the church and explore on your own before meeting a local family for a cooking experience involving the preparation of meat dumplings called khinkali, which will serve as lunch. Move on to Gudauri for the evening, stopping at the Friendship Monument on the way
Day 11 Gudauri to Kutaisi
Travel to Gori, birthplace of the communist revolutionary and Soviet politician, Joseph Stalin. Choose to visit the State Stalin Museum or join your CEO on a walk up to the town fortress for views overlooking the valley. Continue to the archaeological site of Uplistsikhe, an ancient city carved out of the rock, before arriving to the city of Kutaisi. Join your CEO for a short orientation walk on the way to an optional dinner out with the group in the evening
Day 12 Kutaisi
Visit the impressive Martvili Canyon this morning, and board a boat for a short ride along the gorge with cascading waterfalls. Continue by foot to a quaint local village for for some free time for lunch before returning to Kutaisi. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free for individual exploration, or perhaps join your CEO for a walk to the Bagrati Church
Day 13 Kutaisi West/Tbilisi
Travel to Mtskheta this morning, one of the oldest cities in Georgia as well as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Visit the Svetitskhoveli cathedral, then continue on to Terragarden for lunch and a cooking class. Later, transfer to Tbilisi for a walk with your CEO and an optional farewell dinner
Day 14 Tbilisi/Yerevan
Wave goodbye to Tbilisi this morning and cross the border into Armenia. Stop in the city of Vanadzor for a walking tour and some free time for lunch before continuing on to Yerevan. Head out in the evening for an optional dinner with your CEO and fellow travellers
Day 15 Yerevan
Set out on foot this morning with a walking tour of the city. Discover the historical significance of Republic Square before visiting the Megerian Carpet Museum to enjoy the rich traditions of the Armenian rug weaving culture. Continue to the Cascade complex for stunning views of the city, learn all about the stone-carved Armenian Khachkar, and try your hand at playing the Duduk instrument with a local musician. Enjoy free time for the rest of the day and evening
Day 16 Yerevan/Dilijan
Depart for Lake Sevan this morning and take some free time to explore or take an optional boat ride on the lake. Continue on to Dilijian for a cooking class about how to make traditional sweet Armenian pastries called 'gata' which will serve as a light lunch. Continue exploring the area on foot with a walking tour and finish the day with free time and an optional dinner out with the group in the evening
Day 17 Dilijan/Goris
Set out for Khor Virap and enjoy a tour of the Monastery this morning. After some free time for lunch, depart for the Areni-1 Cave to explore the multicomponent cave complex on foot. Continue on to Goris for the evening and take a short orientation walk with your CEO on the way to an optional dinner
Day 18 Goris/Yerevan
Travel to Goris Crochet this morning to visit the WINNET Goris Foundation, which works to empower the women of southern Armenia in their political, economic, and social lives. Continue on to Halidzor and hop on the Wings of Tatev Cable Car up to the monastery for a visit of the ancient complex before returning to the bus and carrying on to Yerevan in the afternoon
Day 19 Yerevan
Enjoy a free day to explore Yerevan's parks, museums and historical monuments. Perhaps join an excursion to the Geghard monastery and Garni monastery, and finish off with a cooking demonstration at a local guesthouse. Regroup in the evening for an optional final dinner out with the group
Day 20 Yerevan
Depart at any time
